Mumbai Water Tanker Association suspends operations indefinitely over BMC notices

The Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) has decided to suspend its water supply services across the city indefinitely. This decision comes in response to notices issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to the owners of private wells that supply water to the tankers.

According to MWTA spokesperson Ankur Sharma, the association has around 1,800 registered tankers, each with a capacity ranging from 500 to 20,000 litres. These tankers supply approximately 350 million litres per day (MLD) to various parts of the city, including upscale areas in south Mumbai. However, all operations have now been suspended.

The dispute arises from new regulations set by the authorities, which include several demands. Tanker owners are now required to provide proof of land ownership or lease for the wells, install digital water flow meters, and adhere to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for accurate water measurement. Additionally, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is mandatory.


Sharma explained, "It is difficult to implement all these rules in a city like Mumbai. Unless there are some relaxations in these conditions by the government, tanker services will not resume."

He further stated, "We have shut down our trade," signalling the indefinite halt in operations.

The MWTA has written letters to the Chief Minister's Office and other authorities to raise their concerns. Meanwhile, Mumbai's suburban district guardian minister, Ashish Shelar, has also written to the Jal Shakti board urging them not to take action against private well owners. Despite this, owners continue to receive notices from the BMC, Sharma claimed.

Inputs from PTI